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Preventive angioplasty does not improve prognosis

A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that preventive angioplasty for heart attack patients does not improve prognosis. The research included 1542 patients and showed no difference between treatment groups in terms of new heart attacks or all-cause deaths.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 8, 2024

Inorganic nitrate can help protect patients against kidney damage caused during coronary angiographic procedures

A five-day course of inorganic nitrate significantly reduces contrast-induced nephropathy rates, improves three-month renal function, and lowers one-year major adverse cardiac events. The trial also shows improved kidney outcomes at three months compared to placebo.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 18, 2024

Intravascular imaging significantly improves survival, safety, and outcomes in cardiovascular stenting procedures over conventional angiography

Using intravascular imaging to guide stent implantation significantly improves survival and reduces adverse cardiovascular events compared to angiography-guided PCI. The study found a 25% reduction in all-cause death, 45% reduction in cardiac death, and improved outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 21, 2024

Mount Sinai ophthalmologists develop novel protocol to rapidly diagnose and treat eye stroke

Researchers at Mount Sinai Health System developed a novel protocol for rapid diagnosis of eye stroke, improving outcomes and preserving vision. The protocol uses high-resolution retinal imaging in emergency rooms, along with remote consultation, to confirm diagnosis and expedite care.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalOphthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 13, 2024

Researchers find that using patients’ own blood, rather than saline, helps preserve veins in coronary bypass grafts

Researchers at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and Carilion Clinic found that preserving leg vein grafts in heparinized arterial blood, rather than saline, improves their health and viability. This discovery could lead to better outcomes for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft procedures.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Vascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Artery calcification more common in night owls

A new study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that night owls are more likely to develop artery calcification than early risers. The research, which examined data from over 771 middle-aged participants, suggests that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

Updated Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines advise against routinely taking aspirin daily for primary prevention of heart attack or death but acknowledge there may be a role for some people

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has updated its guidelines to no longer recommend routine daily aspirin use for primary prevention of heart attacks or death. However, daily aspirin may be considered for people with high risk factors for heart attack, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking. The new guidelines emphasize the ...

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 14, 2023

Endovascular catheter opens blocked arteries deep within lungs, researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University report

Researchers at Temple University Health System report that the BASHIR Endovascular Catheter reduces blockages in lung arteries and correlates with improved right ventricle function, suggesting better survival outcomes. The catheter also shows significantly lower bleeding rates compared to other devices.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJACC Advances·DateDec 4, 2023

Does patient-surgeon gender concordance lead to lower patient mortality? Mostly no, UCLA-led research suggests

A study of over 2.9 million patients found that gender concordance was associated with lower mortality for female patients, but higher mortality for male patients. The quality of surgical care provided by female surgeons is equivalent to or slightly better than that provided by male surgeons.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2023

Researchers uncover why a gene mutant causes young children to have strokes

Researchers discovered that a mutation in the gene ACTA2 causes moyamoya disease and strokes in young children. The mutation leads to dysfunctional smooth muscle cells in arteries, resulting in blockages and increased risk of stroke. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new treatments for moyamoya disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateSep 28, 2023

Patients who quit smoking after percutaneous coronary intervention do as well as non-smokers – unless they had smoked heavily

A large study of 74,471 patients found that those who quit smoking after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have comparable rates of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths to non-smokers. However, heavy smokers showed no improvement in cardiovascular outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2023

Origins of coronary arteries

A team of researchers compared the development of blood vessels in various animals, including mice, quails, and fish, to understand the origins of the human heart. They found that the structure of the human coronary arteries likely evolved from a common amniote ancestor, adapting to life on land.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

New treatment method reduces size and increases stability of atherosclerotic plaque on arterial walls, preventing heart diseases: NUS study

Researchers at NUS have developed a new treatment method that reduces the size and increases the stability of atherosclerotic plaques in arterial walls. The treatment involves injecting omega-3 fatty acids into the bloodstream via nanomedicine, which helps to reduce inflammation and prevent plaque rupture.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 7, 2023

University of Minnesota-led study shows Hmong stroke patients are younger, other unique stroke patterns

A University of Minnesota-led study identified higher incidence of brain hemorrhage, hardening of the arteries, and small vessel disease in Hmong stroke patients. Risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes are prevalent among this community.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2023

Cardiac rehabilitation reduces risk of death years after heart surgery, still underutilized

A Michigan Medicine study finds that patients who participate in cardiac rehabilitation have a decreased risk of death years after surgery. The greatest reduction in mortality was found in patients who completed 36 or more sessions, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to improve participation and adherence.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 19, 2023

Stanford Medicine researchers map morphing placenta

The placenta forms an unusual organ that requires unique cooperation between genetically mismatched maternal and fetal cells. Researchers have mapped the intricate dance between trophoblasts and the mother's immune system, shedding light on how to develop new treatments for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and miscarriages.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 19, 2023

Researchers uncover how a genetic mutation can cause individuals with normal cholesterol levels to develop coronary artery disease at a young age

A novel molecular pathway has been identified, explaining how a mutation in the ACTA2 gene can cause individuals in their 30s with normal cholesterol levels to develop coronary artery disease. The mutation leads to stress in smooth muscle cells, triggering the production of excess cholesterol and driving atherosclerotic plaque formation.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJul 7, 2023

CHEST releases clinical practice guideline on antithrombotic therapy in arterial thrombosis and thromboembolism in COVID-19

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has released a new clinical guideline for managing antithrombotic therapy in patients with COVID-19-related arterial thrombosis and thromboembolism. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to improve risk-evaluation and treatment course.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 29, 2023

‘Concerning’ CT scans may cause unnecessary hospitalization for some pulmonary embolism patients

Researchers found that 'concerning' CT imaging results were associated with lower clinical outcomes and shorter hospital stays in low-risk patients with acute pulmonary embolism. This suggests that emergency physicians may be managing these patients differently, leading to unnecessary hospitalizations.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2023

Elevated Lipoprotein(a) is the latest variant of ‘bad cholesterol’ found to increase the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease

A new study found that elevated Lipoprotein(a) levels are a significant predictor of recurrent coronary heart disease (CHD) in people over 60. The study suggests current cholesterol-lowering medications may not be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent CHD, highlighting the need for novel therapeutics to target elevated Lp(a).

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCurrent Medical Research and Opinion·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2023

Healthy vascular fat during menopause may stave off dementia later in life

Researchers found that women with higher-quality cardiovascular fat during midlife had stronger long-term memory and lower inflammation, while those with lower-quality fat had worsening working memory. The study suggests that taking care of heart health during menopause may protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2023

Coronary bioresorbable scaffolds nearly as safe and effective as conventional metal stents for heart disease patients

A global clinical trial found that bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) are nearly as safe and effective as conventional metal stents in treating coronary artery disease. The study, led by a researcher from the Mount Sinai Hospital, showed improved outcomes for patients when properly implanted.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 17, 2023